Tech Tips: MT-09 Akrapovic Full System Install

Taka has just fitted a full carbon-fibre/stainless Akrapovic exhaust system to his MT-09 to give it a bit more presence, here's how it's done... Words & Images: Taka & Kino Nagata

When I first opened the box that my brand new Akrapovic full stainless/carbon-fibre exhaust system came in, I was immediately impressed by the design, welds and overall high quality.

The MT-09 Akrapovic Carbon Fibre/Stainless Full System

The system is incredibly light, particularly in comparison to the stock exhaust, while the installation proved very easy, with the instructions very clear and well illustrated.

Another angle of the Akrapovic Carbon Fibre/Stainless Full System

First up was the task of removing the stock exhaust, including the O2 sensor and six flange nuts where the headers connect to the head, as well as the two muffler bolts. The stock muffler collector is mounted via two bolts behind the footpeg brackets, just below the swingarm, and I removed the right footrest to get access to the bolt on that side.

First up is removing the O2 sensor mounted into the stock exhaust.

It’s worth taking care when removing the original exhaust as it’s quite heavy, and you’ll need to work it loose and pull the system free. If you want it in good condition, consider putting down a towel and ensuring you’re not smacking the system against your rims.

Also undo the six bolts holding the headers on, and the two mounting bolts for that enormous collector. Then slide the exhaust off.

With the whole stock system removed you can fit the stainless steel headers, with the supplied copper paste, and by tightening the flange nuts by hand, so that they are held in place but not tight. Also replace the O2 sensor in the point provided, where the three headers collect into one, and use the copper paste here too, just on the threads of the O2 sensor.

Fit the headers and connect the O2 sensor using the copper paste on the threads only.

Now it’s a matter of adding the mid/link pipe with the big twist in it, noting that the wide end connects to the headers, while the thin end will mount the muffler.

Slide the mid-pipe into place.

There’s a single mounting point on this exhaust system, off the top of this link pipe which you’ll need to bolt into place, and you’ll need to add the exhaust springs to hold the mid pipe onto the headers.

Here you can see where it mounts into place via the single mounting point, hidden under the swingarm, as well as the muffler mounting bracket.

Then slide the carbon-fibre muffler into place, onto the mid-pipe-

Slide the muffler into place including the muffler bracket also in carbon-fibre.

There’s also a muffler bracket in carbon-fibre which you’ll connect to the exhaust hanger bracket, which in turn connects at the opposite end below/under the right hand side footpeg bracket at two points.

Here you can see the muffler mounting bracket.

Fitment was a perfect fit, a testament to the quality of the Akrapovic system, although if you have any issues, they do recommend tapping the mid-pipe into place with a mallet.

Make sure to tighten the flange nuts at the headers.

Also be careful sliding the carbon-fibre exhaust bracket into place, as it’ll scratch the exhaust if you’re not careful. Once the muffler is in place, add the exhaust springs which hold it in place.

Double check the mid-pipe mounting point too, as well as the muffler bracket points.

At this point you’ll have the six header bolts to tighten, plus the mid-pipe mounting point, and the three muffler hanger mounting points and the right footpeg bracket. Also ensure the O2 sensor is tightened to the correct spec (not overtightened) and that the exhaust springs are in place, there are four in total. Refer to the instructions provided for the correct torque settings.

The MT-09 Akrapovic Carbon Fibre/Stainless Full System fitted

That’s it, you’re all sorted, with a significant weight reduction, not to mention a much better exhaust note, with the full system costing $1,130.60 for the 2014-2017 model Yamaha MT-09. You can visit the Y-Shop for more information and the full range of accessories available.

CONCLUSION

Even for an inexperienced DIY mechanic this is an easy project, with high quality parts and clear instructions ensuring you’ve got all the information you need, while everything fits without fuss.

All the parts are exceptionally light, and it’s very satisfying stripping all that extra weight off your bike. Once I went for a ride I was in shock, the feeling of the weight different was amazing, while there felt to be an improvement in power. There’s also a nice low tone to the Akrapovic, which is a significant improvement over the standard exhaust note.

All you’d need for this job are the basic tools, similar to what you’d use for basic servicing.

Looking at the system on the bike, the design is very different and offers a really great look, especially with the mid-pipe nestled in there. Everything also comes very well packaged and prepared so you know you’re getting a quality system.

The Akrapovic Carbon Fibre/Stainless Full System is a non-branded Yamaha product that is developed and produced by Akrapovic, and they claim a 5kW power increase, as well as a 3.8kg weight saving, compared to the standard system. Part #90798-324C1.